US Neuroscience Funding Process

Federally funded agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation are the most common funders of neuroscience research in the United States. In fact, NIH is the largest funder of biomedical research in the world. Neuroscience is also supported by the Veterans Administration, the Department of Defense, and other federal agencies.

NIH and NSF receive money through the Congressional budget and appropriations process. Each year, this process begins with the President submitting a budget proposal, containing their recommendations, to Congress in February. The Congressional budget and appropriations process is complex and, ultimately, the constitutional responsibility for passing a budget rests with the House and Senate. NIH and NSF receive funding through appropriations bills enacted by Congress (the bills contain specific funding levels for various programs) after the President signs them into law.

Agencies work with the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to develop a budget strategy that addresses the president’s priorities.

April

May

June

Agencies negotiate their budget with the OMB. By January, budget proposals are finalized and compiled for the president’s budget.

July

August

September

October

November

December

January

February

President submits budget request to Congress.

March

The House and Senate budget committees work on setting an overall budget as well as spending by budget function (e.g. health). If the bills passed by the House and Senate differ, a conference committee negotiates the difference.

April

May

June

House and Senate appropriations committees work concurrently to determine funding for specific departments and agencies (“appropriations”). This work is done by subcommittees for specific areas. Any differences are again worked out in conference committee.

July

August

September

October

Appropriations bills are sent to the president for signature. This is supposed to be done by October 1, the start of the fiscal year, but that is uncommon. Congress more often passes a continuing resolution to fund the government while it finishes the budget.